Driving to Scalea from Lamezia

We are travelling to Scalea on 16th March, into Lamezia Airport, what is the best way up to Scalea, on the coast Road or via the motorway, Via Michelin plans the route by motorway, Mapquest does it on the coast, anyone done it yet ? Chris

[Margaret]

We've only been to Lamezia once - we drove down from Scalea to see what the airport is like - posted it somewhere else on this site - but we've had to use the road south a lot to get to Cetraro and Paola (turning for the Sila) and the only reason I can think that the autostrada would be put in preference is not because of the road but because of the driving! At the time there seemed to be an awful lot of accidents being reported along that stretch - not surprising as quite often someone will overtake two or three cars on a bend or perform some other 'road belongs to me' antics. The road is fine! Lesley and Brian have probably used it a lot - wonder if they agree? Having said all that, we would have tried to survive Italian drivers! - and ended up poring over timetables for days to see if we could use Lamezia as it would be so much easier but there's no way it seems to make sense from the South West. So lucky you! Have been meaning to ask - we were always curious to see Stromboli on the horizon for most of the road - but someone says it's not actually the island but a 'chimera' that you're seeing? Anyone know? Cheers (green with envy that you can use Lamezia!) M

[nicholas]

To get in Scalea from Lamezia is to use the motorway (green sign in italy) direction Salerno. After 10 km you have to get out the motorway in Falerna. You have to keep the same road going north until you see the sign “welcome to Scalea�. The trip will take one to two hours, it depends on what time you are travelling.
If this will be the first time driving in south Italy you will feel very uncomfortable. Maybe the fact you are driving on the different side of the road it will be your last problem. Keep always your ayes open. After a wile, maybe you can have fun.

[joitaly]

We used the lift service offered by Scalea Property and a chap called Luigi picked us up and dropped us off for 75 euros return (that was for 3 people). It took just over 1 1/2 hours and is great as you don't have to think about anything and you can just appreciate the scenery - which is lovely.

[jpfable]

Hi,
We drove back to lamezia from Scalea yesterday and visa versa the week before and used the coast road, the SS18 I think which was a doddle as it seems to run more or less parrallel to the motorway and you can stop as and when you wish.
JP

[Italy4me]

We drove to Lamezia (just on a recce not on our way out to the airport) via the motorway as we had been to Cosenza in the morning. Then we drove back along the coast road.
I have to say I preferred the coast road - but I think that is because I have turned into a real scaredy-cat on fast roads with lorries going by at what seems like a million miles an hour (for some reason I am at my most worried whilst going through tunnels through the mountains).
So from my perspective the coast road 'felt' safer (but going by Margaret's post probably it isn't in reality).
Having said that, we didn't see any accidents (or any especially crazy driving actually- believe it or not - on that particular trip)
And it's a fascinating, scenic journey - at one time you could have spat into the sea from the road, it was that close.

I would imagine that in the height of the season the coastal route will be very busy with local traffic and so will be VERY slow but when we did it in January it was understandably straightforward.

We have three lots of visitors due to come in to Lamezia between April and June (have asked them to do so in order to support the servivce and hopefully ensure it's continued existence and because, as we will be picking them up, it's a better journey for us to pop and get them).

We are also flying into Lamezia at the end of this month and out again at the end of April and back again at the end of May. For these journeys, because our car is at our house in Belvedere Marittimo and we need to get from the airport, we have organised a transfer with the lovely Luigi.

Just get in touch with David or Tony (via www.scalea-property.co.uk if you don't have their e-mail address already).
You don't need to have used them for your purchase to ask them for a transfer - they are happy to help wherever they can - but get in quick once you know your plans 'cos its starting to look like a really popular route!!

Best wishes, Lesley & Brian

[RayandJax]

I'm with you Lesley. The coast road and a slower pace works for me. Funny enough, despite language barriers, mafia etc... the only thing that concerns me with the move to Italy is the driving, or should I say, Italian drivers. They say that2 Italians only ever have one accident!"

Think I will try the coast road when we come over next.

Jax. xx

[ENGJMAX]

Josephine and I drove down the coast road to Lamezia from Scalea last month to check it out, as we will be flying into Lamezia on April 5th.
We found the trip very very straightforward. A nice road down following the coast, took about an hour & half, we did stop for a short walk on the beach on route. We were pulled over by the Carabinieri at a routine road side check, they were very nice but have your uk driving licence with you. The also took a note of our passport details. Nb DO NOT be alarmed road side checks are common on main roads throughout Italy
We drove back the autostrada, but frankly the coast road is much more interesting, you would need to be a complete dork to get lost on this road as the ocean does make a good landmark.

[RayandJax]

Thanks for that reply ENGMAX, it's just as well that the route is fool proof as I have the navigational sense of a lemming!

Interesting about the police. I wonder, has anyone else had any similar experiences?


Regards, Jax.

[Italy4me]

Yup - we were stopped at Santa Maria Del Cedro (police were stationed there every day for more than a week) about a quarter to midnight on our way home one evening.

As soon as they realised we were English (the number plates give it away!) they waved us on.

We were with Tony in the minibus on our way to an agriturismo near Grisolia one night in June when he was stopped and the police kept us at the roadside for about 45 minutes while they checked absolutely everything.

There are also mobile speed checks often along the coast road (if you get a lot of oncoming traffic flashing their lights at you that's probably what they are warning you about).

Lesley & Brian

Many thanks for your help, I will go up the coast, we have hired a car from Lamezia Airport, we will enjoy the spin, we are going up to meet Tony and hopefully buy something this month - Chris